Exhibitions and Engagement Manager

M16 Artspace seeks an Exhibitions and Engagement Manager to lead dynamic programs, support artists, and grow Canberra’s vibrant arts community.

About M16 Artspace

M16 Artspace (M16) operates on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We honour and pay our respects to its traditional custodians. We acknowledge this land ‘always was and always will be’ the country of Australia’s First Nations People. Sovereignty was never ceded.

Incorporated in 1985, M16 is an inclusive organisation that supports a thriving arts community of emerging and established artists, writers and curators of any age, background or culture. M16’s mission is to support, promote and connect artists by providing high-quality exhibition space, learning opportunities and public programs. M16 presents high-quality exhibitions from both emerging and established artists and curators from Canberra, interstate and overseas. M16 Artspace runs three gallery spaces, manages 31 artist studios and houses five arts organisations that offer art classes.

M16 remains committed to supporting local Canberra visual artists as it celebrates its 40th year in 2025. This includes aligning our exhibition program with key social and community values, placing a strong emphasis on increased representation of First Nations artists and showcasing artistic practices that resonates with the diverse community that makes up Canberra’s population. We recognise the important work ahead and are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive artistic community in Canberra. We are guided by our core values of Creativity, Connection, Community, Meaningful Engagement and Accessibility.

Exhibitions and Engagement Manager 

Level 7 — Amusements, Recreation and Events Award 

Hours of Work: 38 hours per week (negotiable). Some evenings and weekends required for meetings, openings, events and programs. 

Term: Permanent contract, with a six-month probation. 

Reports to: General Manager 

Supervisory Responsibility: Part-time and casual staff, interns and volunteers 

Location: Griffith, Canberra, ACT 

Salary: From $79,787 pa plus 12% superannuation (annualised salary above award, includes fortnightly overtime allowance). 

Position Overview

The Exhibitions and Engagement Manager works closely with the General Manager to plan, coordinate and deliver M16 Artspace’s exhibitions, events and programs. The role oversees gallery operations, supports artists and contractors, and leads marketing and communications to grow M16’s profile and community engagement. This position requires initiative, strong organisational skills, and the ability to supervise staff and collaborate with a range of stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the annual exhibition schedule and related artistic programming in consultation with the General Manager.
• Coordinate with artists, curators, contractors and partners to ensure the smooth delivery of exhibitions and special projects.
• Oversee installation and de-installation, including artwork cataloguing, sales, safety compliance and quality standards.
• Work collaboratively to deliver major exhibitions and projects (e.g. Drawing Prize, Young Drawers’ Prize, Studio Artist Show) including promotion, logistics and resource allocation.
• Manage day-to-day gallery operations including visitor services, sales, reporting, security and WHS compliance.
• Advise the General Manager on maintenance and upgrades of facilities, amenities and equipment.
• Act as primary contact for artists, service providers and stakeholders throughout exhibition preparation and delivery.
• Supervise and support casual and part-time staff, interns and volunteers.
• Lead the development and implementation of marketing strategies for exhibitions, events and organisational promotion.
• Manage media relations, content creation, social media, website updates, digital/print listings and newsletters.
• Oversee design and production of promotional materials (including photography and branding), with support from casual staff.
• Track engagement metrics and prepare reports to inform future strategies.
• Manage gallery sales and financial record-keeping in consultation with the bookkeeper.
• Maintain databases, compile statistics and produce reports on engagement and reach, contributing to organisational evaluation and planning.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated experience in arts programming within a gallery, arts or cultural organisation.
• Strong understanding of marketing principles and proficiency with design/communications tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud).
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience supervising staff, volunteers or contractors.
• Knowledge of WH&S requirements in a gallery context.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and accessibility in the arts.
• Working with Vulnerable People Card (or ability to obtain).
• Tertiary qualifications in visual arts, design, art history, curatorship or related fields (desirable).

Selection Criteria

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• Proven experience planning and delivering exhibitions and related programs in a gallery, arts or cultural organisation, including working with artists, curators, contractors and stakeholders.
• Strong skills in planning, coordinating and overseeing multiple projects, with the ability to prioritise tasks, manage resources effectively, and adapt to a high-volume workload.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver marketing strategies that engage audiences and raise an organisation’s profile. Proficiency with digital and design tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, MS Office) to create promotional and exhibition materials.
• Excellent communication skills, including preparing clear reports, writing marketing copy, and engaging confidently with artists, media, sponsors and community stakeholders.
• Experience supervising and supporting staff, interns and volunteers, with the ability to motivate and work collaboratively within a small team environment.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required, respond to changing priorities, and contribute to a positive and resilient workplace culture.
• Understanding of WH&S in a gallery context and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and accessibility in the arts.

Cultural competency

• Be curious, interested and engaged in the future of M16 from the perspective of its members and community
• Work as a close team to deliver the artistic program and business operations in a positive and safe workplace.
• Be supportive, flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.
• Strive to achieve environmentally responsible business practices and actively look to maintain a healthy work life balance.
• Pursue productive and harmonious relationships with tenants, artists, audiences, partners and stakeholders.